The Los Angeles Lakers and the Need for a Balanced Offense

The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most star-studded rosters in the NBA, but their success as contenders hinges on more than just individual brilliance. While star power is essential, the team must also find ways to consistently involve its supporting cast on the offensive end. This balance is crucial for long-term success, and recent performances from players like Marcus Smart highlight both the potential and the challenges the Lakers face.

Marcus Smart’s Impact in a Key Victory

In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Marcus Smart delivered one of his best performances of the season. He contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one block, and a steal, helping the Lakers secure a 128-121 victory. This performance was not just a personal achievement; it also reinforced the Lakers’ record of being 7-2 when Smart records at least five assists and 8-2 when he scores at least 10 points.

Smart’s ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates has been a key factor in the team’s success. In post-game comments, he emphasized the importance of his role in the offense:

“Just my ability to create for others, and my ability to create for myself. But just always making the right play. I have a good IQ of the game, and allowing me to use my size and my skill set, because I can see the floor just as good as anybody out there as well. And making the right play. So for me to have the ball in my hands definitely is good for this team, and just gotta find out ways to do it within our offense.”

This statement highlights the value of having a player who can take control of the ball and make smart decisions—something that could help the Lakers move beyond relying solely on their top stars.

The Challenge of Balancing Star Power

Despite their star-studded lineup, the Lakers face a significant challenge: ensuring that other players get consistent opportunities to contribute. Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are all high-usage players who dominate the ball. Their usage rates reflect this trend:

• Luka Doncic: 35.0 or higher in six of the past seven seasons.
• LeBron James: 29.1 in 2024-25, 26.1 in 2025-26.
• Austin Reaves: 27.1 currently.

With three players taking the majority of shots, the Lakers often lack the flexibility to trust other players with the ball. This creates a predictable offensive structure that can be exploited by opponents.

The Consequences of Over-Reliance on Stars

The over-reliance on stars comes with several drawbacks. First, it leads to fatigue, especially for players like LeBron James, who have been playing at an elite level for years. Second, it limits the development of other players, such as Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, who have shown they can contribute meaningfully when given the chance.

Smart, for instance, has averaged up to 6.3 assists per game while committing only 2.3 turnovers. LaRavia, on the other hand, averaged 4.2 assists per 36 minutes in 2024-25. However, their combined assist numbers dropped in 2025-26, highlighting the need for more consistent involvement from the supporting cast.

Building a Culture of Depth

The modern NBA is not just about star power—it’s also about depth. While the Lakers may not be able to build the deepest rotation overnight, they can start by fostering a culture that empowers current players to maximize their potential. This means trusting the supporting cast to run the offense for extended periods and creating plays that allow them to shine.

Smart’s strong performance against the Grizzlies is a positive sign, but it’s just the beginning. For the Lakers to truly contend, they must commit to embracing the full scope of their depth chart and ensuring that every player feels valued and involved.